Australia So Much to See

A. Many caravanners travel with pets, the majority being dogs.  A number of questions have been brought together here.  Other pets will be under similar constraints.  Dogs also need to be worm and flea treated, with special consideration to the requirements when travelling to Tasmania, and as advised by your Vet for travelling in the tropics.  

Having our dog travel with you can be rewarding company, but there will be many places you cannot go, unless you can arrange pets sitting for your dog.   See more about Travelling with Pets.  Your pets will of course need to be registered. 

Your dog may be an effective ‘burglar alarm’ or the deep bark of a large dog in a caravan will most likely deter a potential intruder.

Most national parks and reserves to not allow pets.  You can drive through these parks if on public roads and you pet remains in your vehicle.  See Pets in Parks for parks which do allow access with a pet. 

Registered trained guide dogs are permitted in most parks.  If in doubt, enquire with the park management first.   A registered trained assistance dog required for other needs may be permitted, and in some cases an application must first be submitted. 

Dogs in caravan parks

Many caravan parks allow pets, and this is detailed in Travelling with Pets.  In these caravan parks, pets are generally permitted with strict conditions and at the discretion of the park proprietor.  They may accept small dogs only, limit the number of dogs per site, or only allow dogs outside of peak season.  A pet bond or a camping fees surcharge may be charged.  Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when in the caravan park or in a town, unless there is a specified dog exercise area where dogs may run free.  Droppings must be removed. 

Since laws were changed in 2012, subject to council by-laws allowing this, eating venues have to option to allow dogs in outdoor eating areas, subject to not having to walk through the restaurant to reach them.  This will vary according to what owners have chosen. A registered guide dog is allowed in most restaurants and eating venues. 

Your pets may not travel on you lap when you are driving.  Dogs MUST be restrained when on the back of a ute; in a cage or on a lead short enough that they cannot fall off.   It is recommended that they be restrained by suitable harnesses inside your car for their own and your safety, as an unrestrained dog can become a projectile in a sudden stop.    

While it is not illegal to leave you dog unattended in a vehicle, it is illegal to leave the windows partly open.  Should the dog become heat stressed, which can happen easily with or without the window down, you will be guilty of an offence, but worse than that, your dog may die a horrible death. 

Dogs die in cars

Animal rights groups persistently warn owners not to leave pets alone in cars, as they may experience heat exhaustion which can quickly lead to death, or oxygen deprivation due to lack of ventilation.

The RSPCA says it can take just six minutes for a dog to die of heat exhaustion – with temperatures in cars potentially rising to over 75 degrees in a matter of minutes. Vets have also reminded pet owners that tragedy can occur even in the winter months.

The RSPCA can also issue fines under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to six months’ jail and fines of up to $5,500. Carrying dogs untethered on the backs of utes can land drivers with fines of $500.

While not against the law, causing a pet to suffer is a crime.  Penalties aside from the suffering and possible death of your pet.  Don’t leave your pet in the car this summer.

There are penalties for leaving pets in cars when your pet suffers. Causing pets to suffer is a crime, and the penalty can be as much as $5,500 and 6 months in jail. If the pet dies as a result of this mistreatment, the penalty jumps to $22,500 and up to two years in jail.

RSPCA warns of penalties which can include large fines and/or imprisonment

People who leave their dog in a car on a hot day can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act and face a maximum penalty of $50,000 or five years’ imprisonment, and a lengthy prohibition order preventing them from owning an animal for an amount of time determined by the courts.

RSPCA receive many calls about stressed dogs lock in cars. 

Each year, the RSPCA receives over 110,000 calls to our 1300 ANIMAL hotline. Just this year (2015) 1,097 distress calls about animals (usually dogs) being left in cars in the heat have been received by our Inspectorate.  

Not illegal to leave a dog in a car in Queensland

There is no specific offence under Queensland law for leaving a dog in a car, or on the back of a ute, but depending on the outcome, it could be an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. Not only that, but leaving the windows down on an unattended vehicle is illegal under Queensland law.

Rules and regulations for car travel with your dog. 

– A driver must not drive with an animal in the driver’s lap.

– A motor cycle rider must not ride with an animal between the handlebars and the rider.

– Animals should be seated or housed in an appropriate area of the vehicle.

– Dogs on utes should be restrained either via a tether or cage, so that the dog cannot fall off or be injured when the vehicle moves.

– A driver, motorcycle rider, bicycle rider or passenger must not lead an animal, while the vehicle is moving.

Is it OK to smash a car window if you see a dog in distress locked in a car? 

No, you could be charged.  What can you do?

From RSPCA Victoria 

From NRMA New South Wales